Brianna adjusted the weight of the bags in her arms, her shoulders straining under the load. She had insisted on carrying everything herself, saying it was only fair since Cecilia was carrying Leon.
The bags were packed with necessities—snacks, water, blankets, and other small items they thought Leon might need. Every step felt heavier than the last, not because of the luggage but because of the storm of worry clouding her mind.
Behind her, Cecilia walked steadily, holding Leon in her arms as if he were the most precious thing in the world. His small face rested against her shoulder, his lips parted slightly in peaceful sleep.
Despite the dire circumstances, he slept soundly, unaware of the danger looming over them. Cecilia's arms ached, but she didn't dare loosen her grip, afraid even the smallest misstep could disturb his rest.
The narrow dirt path leading to Serena and Valerie's cottage was lined with trees, their bare branches swaying slightly in the evening breeze. The fading sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, but neither of the women took notice. Their focus was on the task ahead—ensuring the children's safety before heading off to confront the approaching darkness.
When they reached the cottage, they spotted Valerie standing near the front porch, her arms crossed as she spoke with a man.
His figure was imposing yet calm, with a posture that exuded confidence. He was dressed in light combat gear, and though his expression was relaxed, his sharp gaze suggested he was always on alert.
Valerie turned at the sound of their footsteps and gave them a small smile. "You're just in time." she said, gesturing to the man beside her. "This is Jake. He'll be staying here to look after the kids."
Jake gave a slight nod, his voice steady and reassuring. "I'm an A-ranked hunter. You can trust me to keep them safe."
Brianna shifted the bags in her arms, studying him for a moment. His calm demeanor should have been reassuring, but her heart was too weighed down by worry to relax. "A-ranked, huh?" she said, her tone clipped but not unkind. "I hope that means you're as good as Valerie says."
Jake smiled faintly, unfazed by her skepticism. "I've handled worse situations. I promise you, nothing will happen to them on my watch."
Cecilia offered him a small nod of thanks but said nothing as she carried Leon past them and into the cottage.
Inside, the warmth of the living room was a stark contrast to the chill outside. Soft golden light from a table lamp bathed the room, casting gentle shadows on the walls.
On the sofa, Serena sat with her two children, Rodan and Cristina, both fast asleep. Rodan, was curled up against her side, his small hands clutching the fabric of her shirt as if afraid to let go even in his dreams. Cristina is curled up beside Serena, her face serene and untroubled.
Cecilia approached quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful scene. She found another sofa and carefully laid Leon down, adjusting the blanket around him to keep him warm. For a moment, she simply stood there, watching the three sleeping children and feeling a bittersweet pang in her chest.
Serena looked up, her face a mix of exhaustion and worry. She offered Cecilia a faint smile, but her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.
"Are you alright?" Cecilia asked softly, kneeling beside her.
Serena nodded, though her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. "I am. Or… at least I'm trying to be. It's just—" She glanced down at her children, her hand gently brushing Cristina's hair. "No matter how strong I try to be, I can't help but worry about them. I just… I need to know they'll be okay."
Cecilia placed a comforting hand on Serena's shoulder. "I understand," she said sincerely. "I haven't known Leon for long, but… he's already become like a son to me. It's instinct, isn't it? To want to protect them, no matter what."
Serena's eyes softened, and for the first time that evening, her smile felt genuine. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Cecilia stayed with her for a moment longer before rising to her feet. Serena kissed her children on their foreheads, whispering soft goodbyes, before reluctantly following Cecilia outside.
Outside, Brianna and Valerie were finalizing instructions with Jake.
"Make sure they eat, even if they don't ask for food." Brianna was saying. "And don't let them out of your sight for even a second."
"And not even a bug should land on them," Valerie added, her tone half-joking but her expression dead serious.
Jake chuckled, raising a hand in mock surrender. "I hear you, loud and clear. You have my word—nothing will get past me."
Satisfied, the group turned to leave, though none of them could entirely shake the unease in their hearts.
Valerie led the way to her car, a sleek red sedan that practically gleamed under the dim light. Its sharp, aerodynamic design and polished finish gave it an air of elegance, while its powerful engine purred to life with a sound that was as smooth as it was commanding.
Brianna and Cecilia made their way to Cecilia's car, a black SUV with a bold grille and sturdy build. Its spacious interior and reliable structure made it the perfect vehicle for tough conditions. Unlike Valerie's flashy car, Cecilia's SUV had a quiet strength, its dark paint gleaming faintly as they loaded themselves inside.
The engines roared as both cars pulled out of the driveway, their headlights cutting through the growing darkness. Inside, the air was heavy with unspoken fears and grim determination. Each of them carried the weight of knowing what they were heading into—and what they were leaving behind.
They drove in silence, the hum of the engines the only sound accompanying their thoughts. The battle ahead would be fierce, and their hearts were already steeling themselves for the worst.